Ahead of filing his nomination from Varanasi on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a mega roadshow in the city today. The roadshow stretched over six kilometres from the Lanka area to Dashashwamedh Ghat via Godoliya.

Addressing a gathering of farmers in Varanasi, PM Narendra Modi said cleanliness is a way to serve the poor of India. I was also happy to see that a lot of toilets have already been constructed in rural areas. Swachhata is a Puja for me."

Shinzo Abe arrived in Delhi on Friday on a three-day visit, top officials, both from central and state government, remained busy in Varanasi giving final touches to the arrangements at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

VARANASI VIDEOS

Varanasi, Feb 22 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the centenary convocation of the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) on Monday. The university celebrated its foundation day on February 13 and a number of events have been organised to mark the anniversary for the past many days. PM Modi also visited the Sant Ravi Das temple at Seer Govardhanpur area of Varanasi to offer prayers on the occasion of the 639th birth anniversary of the saint.

Haridwar, Jan 21 (ANI): Security has been beefed up at the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Varanasi after four suspected terrorists who were allegedly planning to launch an attack at the mela were nabbed on Wednesday. Thousands of Hindu devotees are seen thronging banks of Ganga. The police are using latest technology and equipments to monitor the activities in Haridwar. Meanwhile, a suspicious bag has been found at Haridwar Railway Station gate and is being inspected by the police.

Varanasi, Jan 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Mahamana Express, which will run triweekly from Varanasi to New Delhi, on January 22. PM Modi will flag off this train on his ground visit to Varanasi. Northern Railway Chief Area Manager Ravi P Chaturvedi said the train has all the modern facilities, including dustbins and bio-toilets in every coach. Besides, AC coaches are equipped with LED screen for passengers’ entertainment.

Varanasi, Jan 14 (ANI): A French tourist is actively promoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Clean Ganga' campaign in Uttar Pradesh, vowing to spread the message of keeping the holy river free from impurities in rural parts of the country. Krish, who came to India to take part in the 'Kumbh Mela' or 'Pitcher Festival' last year, was concerned on seeing the condition of the river considered holy by the Hindus. Inspired by the Clean Ganga campaign, Krish took the responsibility of cleaning the river in the 3,000-year-old riverside city of Varanasi. Krish says he will soon embark on an expedition from the holy town of Rishikesh to Kolkata city by boat in a bid to spread the message of keeping the river free from impurities.

Varanasi, Jan 13 (ANI): Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated with tartness on 14th January every year across India. It is also seen as the festival of kites. People across the city of Varanasi were seen quite enthusiastic about flying kites this Makar Sankranti. Kites of various colours, sizes and shapes ruled the market, with 'Modi kites' being the favourite for most of the kite lovers. The kite festival is also seen as a traditional celebration and keeping the Indian culture alive.